CVE-2025-64419

Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-64419

1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation

CVE ID: CVE-2025-64419

Description: Coolify, an open-source and self-hostable tool for managing servers, applications, and databases, has a critical vulnerability in versions prior to 4.0.0-beta.445. The vulnerability arises from the lack of sanitization of parameters coming from docker-compose.yaml files when used in commands. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the Coolify instance with root privileges if a victim user creates an application from an attacker-controlled repository using the "docker compose" build pack.

CVSS Score: 9.6

Severity Evaluation:

• Critical: The CVSS score of 9.6 indicates a critical vulnerability. The high score is due to the potential for complete system compromise, including the execution of arbitrary commands with root privileges.
• Impact: The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and complete control over the affected Coolify instance.

2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods

Attack Vectors:

• Malicious Repository: An attacker can create a malicious docker-compose.yaml file in a repository and trick a victim into using it.
• Supply Chain Attack: Compromising a legitimate repository or injecting malicious code into a trusted repository can also exploit this vulnerability.

Exploitation Methods:

• Command Injection: The attacker can inject malicious commands into the docker-compose.yaml file, which will be executed with root privileges when the victim creates an application from the repository.
• Privilege Escalation: Once the attacker gains root access, they can perform various malicious activities, including installing backdoors, exfiltrating data, and compromising other systems within the network.

3. Affected Systems and Software Versions

Affected Software:

• Coolify versions prior to 4.0.0-beta.445

Affected Systems:

• Any system running Coolify versions prior to 4.0.0-beta.445, including servers, applications, and databases managed by Coolify.

4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies

Immediate Actions:

• Upgrade: Upgrade Coolify to version 4.0.0-beta.445 or later, which includes the fix for this vulnerability.
• Patch Management: Implement a robust patch management process to ensure timely updates and patches for all software components.

Long-Term Strategies:

• Input Validation: Ensure that all input parameters, especially those coming from external sources like docker-compose.yaml, are properly sanitized and validated.
• Least Privilege: Apply the principle of least privilege to limit the permissions of applications and services to only what is necessary.
• Monitoring and Logging: Implement comprehensive monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly.

5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape

Broader Implications:

• Supply Chain Security: This vulnerability highlights the importance of securing the software supply chain, including third-party repositories and dependencies.
• Open-Source Security: Open-source projects, while beneficial, can introduce significant risks if not properly managed and secured.
• DevSecOps: Integrating security into the DevOps pipeline (DevSecOps) is crucial to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities early in the development process.

6. Technical Details for Security Professionals

Vulnerability Details:

• Root Cause: The vulnerability stems from the lack of sanitization of parameters from docker-compose.yaml files, leading to command injection.
• Exploitation: An attacker can craft a malicious docker-compose.yaml file with embedded commands that will be executed with root privileges when the file is used to create an application.

Detection and Response:

• Indicators of Compromise (IoCs): Monitor for unusual command executions, especially those originating from docker-compose.yaml files.
• Incident Response: In case of a suspected compromise, isolate the affected Coolify instance, investigate the source of the malicious docker-compose.yaml file, and apply the necessary patches and updates.

References:

• GitHub Commit
• GitHub Security Advisory

Conclusion

CVE-2025-64419 is a critical vulnerability affecting Coolify versions prior to 4.0.0-beta.445. The lack of parameter sanitization in docker-compose.yaml files allows for command injection and execution with root privileges. Organizations using Coolify should immediately upgrade to the patched version and implement robust security measures to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future. This incident underscores the importance of supply chain security and the need for continuous monitoring and validation of external inputs.